GOAT AND SHEEP SKIN AND FIBER PRODUCTION IN SELECTED SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN COUNTRIES

Skins of goats and sheep are important by-products of small ruminants in sub-Saharan Africa and contribute to national revenue in most countries. Wool, hair and pelts add less value than meat to overall production but are important in some areas, including Lesotho, Namibia and Kenya. Herein, a general description of skin and fibre production and values in sub-Saharan Africa is followed by case studies for Niger, Mali, Ethiopia, Lesotho, the Sahel, Botswana and Kenya. Some research on improving production has been done in the past but more is needed if skins and fibre are to contribute their full potential in national and household economies.